Install of 1929 Sport Coupe Belt Rail molding
 

On The install of the Metal Sport Coupe belt rail--- Is the metal Belt rail molding that put on first or is the Rear material /fabric covering of Wood Tack Rail put on first and then the metal Belt Rail?

Thanks,
HS

Re: Install of 1929 Sport Coupe Belt Rail molding
 

Fabric first, then cover the fabric with the belt rail, leaving no fabric showing at the base of the belt rail.

Re: Install of 1929 Sport Coupe Belt Rail molding
 

Forgot to mention to pull top fabric tight and rough tack so that it's nice and tight on the wood tack rail before installing the belt rail.

Re: Install of 1929 Sport Coupe Belt Rail molding
 

The original belt rails were installed one piece at a time. The inner portion aided in securing and covering the top fabric the the outer portion was snapped into place to cover it and form the completed belt molding. They were thin steel pieces and would corrode to nothing after too many years out in the weather.

Most folks use a solid formed piece of softer metal like aluminum D extrusion in the more modern era. A fellow was fabricating a two piece part for a time but ended production some time ago. I've seen his product and it wasn't a very good fit. Some may have had luck reforming it a bit but I don't know if anyone was all that successful or not. It would be interesting to know if someone did.

Re: Install of 1929 Sport Coupe Belt Rail molding
 

Thanks , On the install of the First Metal belt rail, there in small holes about 1 inch apart, How is that attached to the Wood Wood Rail. Do you used small body nails or Small screws. I call this the Anchor Belt Rail and is what holds/"anchors" the top belt rail and was made to snap in to the place on the Anchor belt rail. Any suggestions would Be GREATLY appreciation. Hugh

Re: Install of 1929 Sport Coupe Belt Rail molding
 

Be very careful with the outer piece. They are fragile, dent easily, and nearly impossible to find a replacement if it gets damaged. You are fortunate to have an original. I looked for two years before I found one, and it cost a pretty penny.

Re: Install of 1929 Sport Coupe Belt Rail molding
 

700RPM Thank You, Im still Not sure on how to attach the "inner" Metal belt rail to the wood belt Rail, small body Nails or small wood screws???

Thanks, Hugh

Re: Install of 1929 Sport Coupe Belt Rail molding
 

Hugh. Here's a picture of my original molding. It was never removed before, as far as i know, and it's held on with 1 1/4" long nails.
I'm really interested in knowing how you separated the inner and outer moldings without damaging them. And how you plan on installing the outer molding. No one to my knowledge has ever figured out how Ford did it without damaging the fragile outer molding.

Re: Install of 1929 Sport Coupe Belt Rail molding
 

Vin, Tin Thanks, Can you take some pictures of your Belt both Inner and Outer and Post.
How in the world did you get this off the wooden Belt rail? with 1 1/4" small body Nails. AS you how Im going to get the Outer rail to snap on the Inner rail--Having Not done this before, I have no Idea, But I will try, Any suggestions, Thanks for your reply Hugh

Re: Install of 1929 Sport Coupe Belt Rail molding
 

I used 2 wide pry bars behind the moldings and carefully worked the nails out from the wood...a little at a time. I haven't separated the inner and outer molding and don't plan to. I have no clue how it gets re-installed. Haven't gotten that far yet.

Re: Install of 1929 Sport Coupe Belt Rail molding
 

Vin Tin , I was thinking about using smaller size wood screws, in the inner belt rail That way they should be easier to Put in and To Take out .

Thanks, Hugh

Re: Install of 1929 Sport Coupe Belt Rail molding
 

I used brass screws on the inner rail on mine to avoid future rust. This makes any later removal or adjustments easier (but I hope I will never have to remove it!)As for installing the outer trim, I had a helluva time. All I can suggest is, start from one end, lightly attach it, and work it gently by hand to the other end. Take note of the end tabs and get them in correctly and employ them for alignment. Do not use any hammers or other tools to tap it in place. Gentle and patient hand pressure should allow it to snap into position. A helper to hold the beginning end in place helps.

Also, keep your top fabric to a single thickness. The fit of the outer trim rail is so exact and tight that extra thickness can cause outer rail fitting problems. How they ever did this on a production line is a big mystery to me.

Re: Install of 1929 Sport Coupe Belt Rail molding
 

Vin-Tin, It will be interesting to hear how you solve that reinstallation problem.

Re: Install of 1929 Sport Coupe Belt Rail molding
 

Not sure how interesting it will be. Frustrating...yes.